A record-breaking sailor is heading back out to sea to try to cross the Atlantic Ocean single-handed.

Dental lecturer Ross Hobson, 45, smashed the 30-year-old world record for a transatlantic crossing by a massive 14 hours in August last year with his ageing trimaran Mollymawk. With the help of a two-man crew, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 14 days and six hours.

But now this year's Castle Morpeth Sports Person of the Year winner is leaving his crew behind and setting out on his own on May 30.

The father-of-two, who lives with his wife Sally, 43, in Kirkley, near Ponteland, is relishing the challenge of the 3,000-mile trip from Plymouth to Rhode Island.

Ross said: "I really want to win, especially as it is the last time I will be racing in this boat."